Starting - Service Information: Diagnosis — Dodge Dart PF (2012-2016)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STANDARD STARTING SYSTEM

Note. Note: All voltage measurements are with respect to Ground unless otherwise specified. All relay coils checking (between 85 and 86) must be conducted with the respective relays removed.

No start trouble shooting

Check battery voltage.
Check Fuel followed by Fuel pump fuse F21.
Turn the ignition to start and complete the following procedures within 10 seconds (TIP start will disable after 10 seconds). Hook up the MM before turning the ignition to start.
Measure the voltage at pin 87 of the ECM relay. If not measured remove the BCM and ECM relay. Connect test lamp between PIN 86 of BCM starter relay, PIN 85 of the ECM starter relay and start the car. Confirm the bulb lit up for 10 seconds. If the bulb is lit, the issue is either in starter motor, the starter solenoid, the wiring, loose connection or engine itself. If issue exists go to step 6 . If the measured voltage equals Battery voltage then the Starting relays, BCM and ECM modules are working as designed, if there is no security key violation (The SKIM light will start flashing if there is security key mismatch and a DTC will be set by RFHM. Quick Check: Turn the radio on and turn the ignition to the start position, if the radio mutes and the car still doesn't start, then assume the issue is with the engine controller, or the engine itself.
If the above conditions are true, then issue is either in the starter motor, the starter solenoid, the wiring or can be a loose connection. Follow the procedure 6 to check the wiring from PIN 87 of the ECM relay and the starter solenoid. Go to step 6, If not go to step 11 .
Connect a multi meter between the starter solenoid terminals and confirm the MM is measuring battery voltage.
If the voltage is equal to battery voltage, then the issue must either be in the solenoid, starter or the engine itself. If the issue cannot be identified go to step 8.
Turn the ignition to OFF. Check the voltage at terminal 30 of the RUN/START relay (T09). If not check for loose battery connection, wiring or the fuse feed to 30. Turn the ignition to RUN and check the battery voltage at 87 of the T09 relay. If not measured go to step 9.
Check the BCM starter relay fuse feed and confirm it is intact.
Check BCM relay connections/feed.
Turn the ignition to start and complete the following procedures within 10 seconds (TIP start will disable after 10 seconds). Hook up the test lamp before turning the ignition to start.
Connect a 12V test lamp between 86 and 85 of the BCM start relay and confirm the blub lights up for 10 seconds. The MM may give a false reading because it is driven by a low side driver.
If the 12v test lamp does not stay lit for 10 seconds, turn the ignition to the start position and using a DVOM, measure between battery voltage (+) and PIN 86 (-) of the BCM relay. Should read equal to battery voltage.
Check ECM relay connections/feed.
Turn the ignition to start and complete the following procedures within 10 seconds (TIP start will disable after 10 seconds). Hook up the test lamp before turning the ignition to start.
Connect a 12V test lamp between 86 and 85 of the ECM start relay and confirm the blub lights up for 10 seconds.
If not start the car and measure them individually.
Measure the resistance between the ground and pin 85 of the ECM start relay.

Additional diagnostic checks

Check the Ignition sense start line from RFHM to BCM. The vehicle will not start if this line is not intact.
The RFHM must detect brake input (Normally Open) to start the KIN (Keyless Ignition Node) car in case of auto trans vehicle.
The RFHM must detect clutch input (Normally Open) to start the manual transmission vehicle. Check also the clutch output from RFHM to ECM.
The RFHM must detect gated park switch to start the car.

CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST

The starter control circuit has

Starter motor with integral solenoid
Starter relay
Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral Position switch with automatic transmissions
Ignition switch
Battery
All related wiring and connections
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

CAUTION

Before performing any starter tests, the ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.

Disable ignition and fuel systems.

RELAY TEST

Remove the starter relay as described in this Service Information to perform the following tests

A relay in the de-energized position should have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to 2 . If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (electromagnet) should be 75 ±5 ohms. If OK, go to 3 . If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
Connect a battery B+ lead to terminals 85 and a ground lead to terminal 86 to energize the relay. The relay should click. Also test for continuity between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to «RELAY CIRCUIT TEST»(ref-646258-S24315312882014072800000) procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

30
COMMON FEED
85
COIL GROUND
86
COIL BATTERY
87
NORMALLY OPEN
87A
NORMALLY CLOSED

Scheme 11

CAV	FUNCTION
30	B (+)
85	IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT
86	PCM-CONTROLLED GROUND
87	STARTER RELAY OUTPUT
87A	NO CONNECT

RELAY CIRCUIT TEST

The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all times. If OK, go to 2 . If not OK, repair the open circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position, but is not used for this application. Go to 3 .
The relay normally open terminal (87) is connected to the common feed terminal (30) in the energized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87 and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to 4 . If not OK, repair the open circuit to the starter solenoid as required.
The coil battery terminal (85) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when the ignition switch is held in the Start position and the clutch pedal is depressed (manual transmission). Check for battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the Start position and the clutch pedal is depressed (manual transmission), and no voltage when the ignition switch is released to the On position. If OK, go to 5 . If not OK, check for an open or short circuit to the ignition switch and repair, if required. If the circuit to the ignition switch is OK, see the Ignition Switch Test procedure in «IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION - 1.4L»(ref-646263) or «IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION - 2.0L & 2.4L»(ref-646264) .
The coil ground terminal (86) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded by the PCM if the conditions are right to start the car. For automatic transmission cars, the PCM must see Park Neutral switch low and near zero engine speed (RPM). For manual transmission cars, the PCM only needs to see near zero engine speed (RPM) and low clutch interlock input and see near zero engine speed (RPM). To diagnose the Park Neutral switch of the trans range sensor. Refer to the appropriate Transmission Service Information . Check for continuity to ground while the ignition switch is in the start position and if equipped the clutch pedal depressed. If not OK and the vehicle has an automatic trans. verify Park Neutral switch operation. If that checks OK check for continuity between PCM and the terminal 86. Repair open circuit as required. Also check the clutch interlock switch operation if equipped with a manual transmission. If OK, the PCM may be defective.

FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST

Before proceeding with this operation, review Diagnostic Preparation and Starter Feed Circuit Tests. The following operation will require a voltmeter, accurate to 1/10 of a volt.

CAUTION

Ignition and Fuel systems must be disabled to prevent engine start while performing the following tests.

To disable the Ignition and Fuel systems, disconnect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD).
Gain access to battery terminals.
With all wiring harnesses and components properly connected, perform the following: Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative post, and positive lead to the battery negative cable clamp. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and post. Connect positive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive post, and negative lead to the battery positive cable clamp. Rotate and hold the ignition switch key in the START position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between the cable clamp and post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery negative terminal, and positive lead to engine block near the battery cable attaching point. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor contact at ground cable attaching point. If voltage reading is still above 0.2 volt after correcting poor contacts, replace ground cable. Connect positive voltmeter lead to the starter motor housing and the negative lead to the battery negative terminal. Hold the ignition switch key in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to engine ground. Connect the positive voltmeter lead to the battery positive terminal, and negative lead to battery cable terminal on starter solenoid. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor contact at battery cable to solenoid connection. If reading is still above 0.2 volt after correcting poor contacts, replace battery positive cable. If resistance tests do not detect feed circuit failures, replace the starter motor.

STARTING SYSTEM TEST

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article.

WARNING

On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to the RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION article before attempting steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSE	CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to the BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION article for more information. Charge or replace battery, if required.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST and CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST .
	3. Starter relay faulty.	3. Refer to RELAY TEST . Replace relay, if necessary.
	4. Ignition switch faulty.	4. Refer to i IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION - 1.4L or IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION - 2.0L & 2.4L and SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article . Replace switch, if necessary.
	5. Park/neutral position switch (auto trans) faulty or mis-adjusted.	5. Refer to park/neutral position switch test, in the appropriate Transmission Service Information for more information. Replace switch, if necessary.
	6. Clutch interlock switch (man trans) faulty.	6. Refer to clutch pedal position switch test CLUTCH SYSTEM article. Replace switch, if necessary.
	7. Starter solenoid faulty.	7. Refer to STARTER SOLENOID . Replace starter assembly, if necessary.
	8. Starter assembly faulty.	8. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
	9. Faulty teeth on ring gear.	9. Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged.
	10. PCM double start override output failure.	10. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Information. Check for continuity between PCM and terminal 85. Repair open circuit as required. If ok, PCM may be defective.
STARTER ENGAGES, FAILS TO TURN ENGINE.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to the BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION article for more information. Charge or replace battery as necessary.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to the FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST and the CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST . Repair as necessary.
	3. Starter assembly faulty.	3. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
	4. Engine seized.	4. Refer to the appropriate Engine Service Information for diagnostic and service procedures.
	5. Loose connection at battery, PDC (Diesel Only), TIPM, starter, or engine ground.	5. Inspect for loose connections.
	6. Faulty teeth on ring gear.	6. Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged.
STARTER ENGAGES, SPINS OUT BEFORE ENGINE STARTS.	1. Broken teeth on starter ring gear.	1. Remove starter. Inspect ring gear and replace if necessary.
	2. Starter assembly faulty.	2. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT DISENGAGE.	1. Starter improperly installed.	1. Install starter. Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque specifications.
	2. Starter relay faulty.	2. Refer to RELAY TEST . Replace relay, if necessary.
	3. Ignition switch faulty.	3. Refer to ignition switch test IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION - 1.4L or IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION - 2.0L & 2.4L . Replace switch, if necessary.
	4. Starter assembly faulty.	4. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
	5. Faulty teeth on ring gear.	5. Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged.

STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

INSPECTION

Before removing any unit from the starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspections

Battery - Visually inspect the battery for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace the battery, if required. Refer to the «BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION»(ref-646227) article for more information.
Ignition Switch - Visually inspect the ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Transmission Range Sensor or Park/Neutral Switch - Visually inspect the transmission range sensor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Starter Relay - Visually inspect the starter relay for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Starter Motor - Visually inspect the starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Starter Solenoid - Visually inspect the starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Wiring - Visually inspect the wire harness for damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required. Check for loose or corroded wire harness connections at main engine ground and remote jump post.

Starting - Service Information: Diagnosis Dodge Dart PF